Questions: Which molecules have the strongest intermolecular forces?
BF3
H2S
NH3
H2
Transcript text: Which molecules have the strongest intermolecular forces?
BF3
H2S
NH3
H2
Solution
Solution Steps
Step 1: Identify Types of Intermolecular Forces
To determine which molecule has the strongest intermolecular forces, we need to identify the types of intermolecular forces present in each molecule:
BF3: Boron trifluoride is a nonpolar molecule. The primary intermolecular force is London dispersion forces.
H2S: Hydrogen sulfide is a polar molecule. It exhibits dipole-dipole interactions and London dispersion forces.
NH3: Ammonia is a polar molecule and can form hydrogen bonds due to the presence of nitrogen bonded to hydrogen. It also has dipole-dipole interactions and London dispersion forces.
H2: Hydrogen is a nonpolar molecule. The primary intermolecular force is London dispersion forces.
Step 2: Compare Strength of Intermolecular Forces
The strength of intermolecular forces can be ranked as follows:
Hydrogen bonding (strongest)
Dipole-dipole interactions
London dispersion forces (weakest)
Step 3: Determine the Molecule with the Strongest Intermolecular Forces
Among the given molecules, NH3 (ammonia) is the only one capable of hydrogen bonding, which is the strongest type of intermolecular force. Therefore, NH3 has the strongest intermolecular forces among the listed molecules.